What type of vehicle must you stop at least 20 feet away from when its stop lights are activated?

When a school bus displays its stop lights, it is an indication that children may be getting on or off the bus. The law requires drivers to stop their vehicles at least 20 feet away from a school bus in this situation to ensure the safety of children. This distance is established to give children a safe space to cross the street if necessary and allows them to board or exit the bus without the added risk of encounters with moving vehicles.

In many jurisdictions, failing to stop for a school bus with its stop lights activated can result in significant penalties, as it poses a serious danger to young pedestrians. It’s critical for drivers to remain vigilant and compliant with these laws to protect the safety of all road users, especially vulnerable ones such as children.

While stopping is also required for other types of vehicles, such as fire trucks, the specific distance and additional restrictions for school buses make them especially significant in this context.